Veena’s review of Broken Bonds (Cold Creek, Book 3) by Karen Harper
Romantic Suspense published by Harlequin MIRA 30 Dec 14
I like a good suspense story as a part of the love story. This cover suggested to me that I would find both in this story, even though I had not read the earlier two books in the series. I am glad that my instincts did not fail me, because this is an extremely well-written suspense book, but I definitely feel, in retrospect, that this story will definitely be even better if you do read the series in order.
The natural beauty of the area, the isolation of the families who live in that region, and the natural distrust they have for different ways and outsiders comes alive in word pictures. I could almost picture the desolation of the beautiful landscape from the fracking and the cold clear river with its beaver dams all serve as an incredible backdrop to murder and suspense.
Char is a great heroine. Her dedication to getting the mountain children into a school and educated is laudable. That dedication and her fervor shines through as she visits the scattered population around the mountain, encouraging the families and trying to sell them on the benefits of schooling. I feel so sad that here in the cities children chafe at the thought of going to school and play hooky whenever they can and yet there are corners of the US where children thirst to go to school and don’t have the opportunities.
The love the three sisters have for each other and the tight bonds between family and friends as they come together to keep Char safe from the threats that seem to beset her. Being one of three sisters, this aspect of sisterhood always gets me right in the gut. Thank god the men that her sisters are married to are so incredible as well, as they open up their ranks to admit Matt into their ranks.
Matt is a great hero and complements Char and the other guys really well. He’s rich and has a conscience to boot. I had a few pangs when it seems like he might be a suspect, because from the beginning when Char rescues him after someone forces his vehicle off the road, I had him pegged as hero material. Let me tell you that I was pretty relieved when the author rewarded my belief and made him the perfect guy for Char.
The story with the commune and the preacher add just the right sinister touch to the story and brings alive all the horror stories we read about what goes on behind the walls in places like that. The brainwashing of the children is pretty heart breaking and how families spy on each other out of fear. I’m so glad that Char is able to rescue her cousins.
There’s a lot going on in this corner of the woods, not the least of which is murder staged to look like accidents. Aside from the natural dissension and division caused by the fracking operation, which is having a huge impact on the environment, there are a lot of other elements at play, not the least of which are greed and jealousy that are dividing families into different socioeconomic groups.
I just kept turning pages and was surprised when there were no more to turn. I guess not quite that surprised since the villain was unmasked and love wins the day, so I should rather say disappointed. This is a very well-crafted story and a great read. I am definitely going to read the earlier two books in the series.
Grade: A
Summary:
Haunted by the past…Cold Creek is a place with a dark history, especially for the Lockwoods. Now adults, the three Lockwood sisters are still recovering from the events that led to the destruction of their family when they were children. Determined to move forward, Tess and Kate are making fresh starts, ready to put bad—even deadly—memories to rest and settle happily in the small but booming town. And they’re hoping their older sister, Charlene, can do the same.
Char is back in town seeking comfort as she figures out her next move. A social worker used to difficult situations, she soon runs afoul of some locals who think she’s sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. She’s certain something sinister is being covered up, and when she witnesses Matt Rowan being run off the road, she knows she’s right.
Working together, Matt and Char figure uncovering the truth will be dangerous, but living in Cold Creek won’t be safe for any of them until its secrets are revealed.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
